Vanda (Vanda (Vrikshadani, Vrikshabhakshya, Vriksharukha))
Vanda tessellata, also known as Grey Orchid or Checkered Vanda, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, aphrodisiac, and antimicrobial properties.
Botanical name: Vanda tessellata. Also known as: Rasna, Atirasa, Bhujangakshi, Chhatraki, Rasadhya, Vandaka, Checkered Vanda, Vanda Orchid, Grey Orchid, Akash-bel, Persara, Vanda.
Properties
Antinociception, Anti-inflammation, Aphrodisiac activity, Antimicrobial activity, Apoptosis induction, Angiogenesis inhibition, Metastasis prevention
Dosage
General Dosage: A decoction (kashaya) is commonly used. A typical preparation involves simmering 5–10 g of dried orchid in 200–300 ml of water until the liquid is reduced by half. This is typically consumed warm, twice daily. Tinctures: Medicinal tinctures from the roots and flowers are administered in doses of 5 to 10 drops in water, 2-3 times daily. Specific Conditions: In the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha, a decoction of the root mixed with honey is taken orally on an empty stomach twice a day for one month in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Not specified
- Virya: ["Not specified"]
- Vipaka: ["Not specified"]
Benefits
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aphrodisiac
- Antimicrobial
Traditional uses
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Bronchitis
- Fever
- Nervous disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
- Wounds
- Dyspepsia
- Piles
- Hiccough
- Skin diseases
- Boils
- Ear pain
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kashaya): Simmer 5–10 g of dried orchid in 200–300 ml water until reduced by half.
- Powder: The dried rootstock and pseudobulbs are commonly utilized.
- Paste: Leaves can be crushed into a paste for topical applications.
- Medicated Oils: Used in the composition of several medicated oils for external application in rheumatism and diseases of the nervous system.
- Tincture: Fresh roots are cleaned and macerated in alcohol.
Contraindications
- Overdose may cause nausea, loose stools, or mild headache.
- Topical use can rarely trigger dermatitis.
- It is not known whether pregnant women can take it.
- Due to the presence of alkaloids and its use in nervous system disorders, it is plausible that it may have intoxicating properties.
Side effects
- Generally regarded as safe in traditional doses.
- Overdose: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and loose stools.
- Topical Use: Possible allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Drug Interactions: May cause headache or dizziness if taken alongside cholinergic medications due to additive neuroactivity.
- Long-term use: Limit continuous use to 6–8 weeks, with a 2–4 week break.
Interactions
- Anticoagulants: Patients with bleeding disorders or those on warfarin should avoid high-dose orchid sterols, which may affect clotting pathways.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: Those with diagnosed hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast, ovarian cancers) should discuss use, since phytosterols can mimic mild estrogenic activity.
- Cholinergic medications: May cause headache or dizziness if taken alongside cholinergic medications due to additive neuroactivity.
- It may interact with anticoagulants and cholinergic drugs; consult a practitioner.
Clinical evidence
Preclinical studies indicate potential antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, and antimicrobial activities of Vanda tessellata. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aphrodisiac
- Antimicrobial
Classical clinical indications
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Bronchitis
- Fever
- Nervous disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
- Wounds
- Dyspepsia
- Piles
- Hiccough
- Skin diseases
- Boils
- Ear pain